The only human in a world populated by 9 clone models and the girl who falls in love with him

YOUR ONE AND ONLY
by Adrianne Finley
Houghton Mifflin, Fall 17/Spring 18

Jack is a walking fossil, a relic of the past. It’s been hundreds of years since humanity died off in the slow plague. And over time the clones have repopulated, altering and perfecting their genes, heightening the telepathic bond they share. But if they’re perfect, why did they create Jack, and what exactly do they want from him?
While Jack longs for acceptance, Althea-310 struggles with the feeling that she’s different than her clone sisters – a dangerous idea when they all share thoughts and emotions. Her fascination with Jack doesn’t help. If her telepathic bond with her sisters fractures, the consequences could be deadly.
When the town is rocked by a series of attacks, Jack is the first and only suspect, but appearances can be deceiving. The truth might have to do with why he was created in the first place or with a mysterious journal and letter he finds that ends with a phrase no clone would ever use: “your one and only.”
Channeling everything from “Never Let Me Go” to “Orphan Black” to “Blade Runner”, but flipping the expected clone story on its head, YOUR ONE AND ONLY is a gripping story of discovering what sets you apart, and then fighting to protect it. But when everyone looks the same, knowing who can be trusted is anything but simple.

Adrianne Finlay is the director of the creative writing program at Upper Iowa University where she teaches English, creative writing and a course on adolescent literature. She received her Ph.D. in English from Binghamton University.